Vitamin C, medically known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in the optimal function of the muscles, bones, joints and blood vessels. It has also antioxidant effects, which means that it protects the cells against damage caused by free radicals. Although it's not a cure for heart disease, this vitamin may help keep the heart healthy. If you've been diagnosed with a heart condition and consider taking this vitamin, you should first talk to your doctor.
Research
Due to the antioxidant qualities of vitamin C, a research team from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville evaluated the benefits of this supplement for managing heart diseases. The scientists found that supplementation with vitamin C may prevent atherosclerosis, which is the inflammation and building of fatty plaques in the walls of blood vessels. Atherosclerosis is known to play a major role in developing heart diseases like angina and heart attacks.
Another study published in the March 2007 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition" compared the efficacy of vitamin C in daily doses of 1,000 mg along with the conventional drug amlodipine in subjects suffering from high blood pressure. The study found that supplementation with vitamin C for three months showed positive results on blood pressure when given in combination with amlodipine.
University of Maryland Medical Center also notes several studies that linked that vitamin C deficiency with increased risk of heart diseases and that this nutrient may help reduce the blood cholesterol levels.
Sources
Dietary sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, potatoes and green leafy vegetables.
Vitamin C is also available as an over-the-counter supplement, either alone or in combination with other vitamins.
Dosage and Safety
Vitamin C is considered a safe and well-tolerated supplement. You shouldn't use vitamin C if you have allergic reactions to ascorbic acid. In case you have liver or kidney diseases, this supplement should be used cautiously.
For healthy individuals, a daily dose of 500 to 1,000 mg daily vitamin C intake is recommended. For those with heart conditions, a health-care provider may recommend that you take higher doses. If you develop loose bowel movements, you should reduce the dose of vitamin C because this is a sign of overdosage.
Considerations
Consult a qualified health-care practitioner to determine the optimal dosage of vitamin C and any other supplements that may help your condition. Bear in mind that vitamin C doesn't replace -- and shouldn't be used to replace -- any conventional drug that you're currently taking for a heart condition.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin C
- Drugs.com: Vitamin C
- "Pharmacology & Therapeutics"; Inflammation in the Vascular Bed: Importance of Vitamin C; R. Aquirre, et al; 2008
- "Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition" ; Antihypertensive and Antioxidant Action of Amlodipine and Vitamin C in Patients of Essential Hypertension; A.S. Mahajan, et al; 2007
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